Blackwork tattoos are everlasting. Be it some daring tribal, some elaborate geometric shapes, or some delicate illustrative work, black ink speaks volumes. The greatest dread to any tattoo collector is the “fade,” however. We have all witnessed tattoos from decades ago that have faded to an unrecognizable grey or have become a greenish-blue color.

In our case at SurfnInk Tattoo on the Gold Coast, we find that a tattoo must not only appear appealing in a decade but also as you leave our premises. Though every skin grows old, the way you treat your tattoo will likely reflect the results of the “10-Year Test” score.

The following is our list of questions, which we have frequently been asked in regard to the longevity of tattoos, to enable you to have your blackwork sharp, deep, and clean, lasting a lifetime.

Why do black tattoos fade or change colour over time?

The fading is not only a cosmetic process, but biological as well. In depositing ink into your skin (the second skin layer) into your dermis, the immune system of your body treats it as a foreign invader. The macrophage white blood cells are continually attempting to destroy the ink particles to eliminate them.

Due to dermal changes, these cells manage to break down the small portions of pigment over the years, and the lymphatic system eliminates these substances. Furthermore, when skin loses its elasticity and collagen resulting or aging that the ink particles may slightly migrate, creating that blurred appearance. This happens naturally, but the rate at which it occurs is greatly affected by the way you live and the practice that you take care of.

What is the single biggest enemy of black ink?

There is indeed no doubt that the sun is the ultimate adversary of tattoo life, which is particularly dangerous when it comes to the sunny Gold Coast.

The ultraviolet (UV) rays penetrate the skin’s surface and destroy the chemistry of the pigment. Black is the colour that absorbs the UV radiation more than any other colour. The breakdown of the pigment will cause the pigment to be scattered into particles, which can be easily transported by your white blood cells.

• The UVA rays result in the aging and fading of the skin in the long term.
• UVB radiations lead to burning and instant harm to the layers being healed.
• When you are always in the surf or on the tan without any protection, your dark lines will finally smudge and change to a gentle grey.

Why do some black tattoos turn green or blue?

The feared blue-green syndrome (2) typically revolves around two variables, namely, the quality of the ink and the color of your skin.

Ink Quality: The pigments that were used to make older black inks were traditionally of a blue or green undertone. With the loss of the carbon black, the underlying colours came out. The contemporary, high-quality inks, such as the ones utilized at SurfnInk, are carbon, and they are designed to maintain their true black color significantly longer.

Color and Texture: You glance through your tattoo at your skin. When you are either cool/olive undertoned, the melanin within your skin functions as a filter between the black ink, which could optically skew the colour towards blue or green as the ink ages through the years.

Does the “bold will hold” saying actually apply?

Yes, it is true to the phrase bold will hold. Heavy lines and solid blocks of black saturation are usually more likely to age than fine lines or grey wash.

Bold Lines: Pack on more pigment into the skin. Although the immune system has been eroding the edges of the design for over a decade, the essence of the design is clear.

Fine Lines: Have a lesser amount of pigment. The slight movement or bleeding that would not be seen on a tribal work may render a micro-tattoo illegible in 10 years.

In case longevity is what matters most to you, ask your SurfnInk artist to add sufficient weight and contrast to your design to make your design withstand the test of the ages.

What daily habits will keep my blackwork bold?

The 10-Year Test does not only consider what you do at the beach, but it also considers what you do on a daily basis regarding your skincare.

Moisturize Daily: Moisturized skin is shiny and pale in color since the topmost skin cells are dead and they obscure the appearance of the ink. Frequent moisturization is required to ensure that the epidermis is always transparent and healthy, rendering the black pop.

Hydrate: Water aids in skin elasticity. The less elastic your skin, the less will be the migration and mixing of ink.

Sunscreen is Important: Wearing SPF 50 and above is not a choice, rather a must. When surfing or swimming, apply a zinc stick on your tattoos, which is waterproof and never gets greasy.

When should I get a touch-up?

With the best of care, there is some fading that occurs after 10 years. You might need a touch-up if:

• The solid black fill is interrupted by the presence of “holidays.
• The lines are grey or disjointed.
• The difference is lost, and the tattoo appears to be flat.

But do not touch too far. The frequency of touching the tattoo may lead to the formation of scar tissue, which may, in fact, distort the image and make the skin rough. It is important to follow the suggestions of your artist, who knows whether it really needs a touch-up or not.

FAQs

1. Can I use tanning beds if I cover my tattoo?

It is highly risky. Tanning beds produce intense UV radiation that is much intense relative to sunlight. Despite the fact that you may conceal the tattoo with a sticker or towel, the UV rays may destroy the elasticity of the skin around it. In case the skin structure is not very good, the tattoo will appear old.

2. Does exfoliating help keep tattoos bright?

Oh, just on tattoos which are quite old (never on fresh ones!). Lightly exfoliating the skin on a weekly or biannual basis is good to remove the layer of dead skin cells on top of your tattoo. This dead skin may serve as a sort of window of frosted glass window and make the black ink appear plainer than it is. You can do the blackwork, and then moisturize immediately after, to recover the clarity and colour of the blackwork.

3. Is there a specific “tattoo sunscreen” I need to buy?

Although there are a number of brands that sell so-called tattoo-specific sunscreens, there is no necessity to pay the premium. The most critical is the spectrum and the SPF rating (50+ would be best). Search for Broad Spectrum protection to prevent aging/fading (UV) and burning (UVB).